The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool is on the IRS website at irs.gov/refunds, and it shows you the status of your federal tax refund in real time

The tool pulls data directly from IRS computers and updates once per day, usually overnight. You can check it as soon as the IRS receives your return — which happens within 21 days for most e-filed returns, or up to four weeks for paper returns. The tool will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, whether your refund has been approved, and the exact date your money will arrive in your bank account or by mail.

You do not need to create an account or log in. You enter three pieces of information: your Social Security number (or ITIN), your filing status from your tax return, and the exact refund amount you expect. The tool then displays your refund status in seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • The "Where's My Refund?" tool is free and requires only your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount — no login or account needed.
  • The tool updates once per day and will show you the exact date your refund will arrive once it has been approved.
  • You can begin checking the tool within 24 hours of filing electronically, or within four weeks of mailing a paper return.
  • If the tool shows "still processing" after 21 days for an e-filed return or 30 days for a paper return, your return may need additional review.
  • The tool works for current-year returns and prior-year returns, and you can check it on your phone or computer at any time.

What information you need to use the tool

Gather these three pieces of information before you go to irs.gov/refunds:

Your Social Security number or ITIN. This is the number you used on your tax return. If you filed jointly, use the primary taxpayer's number (the one listed first on the return).

Your filing status. This is the status you selected when you filed: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or may have access to Widow(er). The tool will not accept a status that does not match your return exactly.

Your expected refund amount. This is the total refund shown on your tax return — the number from line 33 (for Form 1040) or the final refund line on whatever form you filed. It must match to the dollar. If you are off by even one dollar, the tool will not find your return. Check your copy of the return you filed, or look at your e-file confirmation email if you filed electronically.

How to enter your information and read the results

Go to irs.gov/refunds and you will see a box labeled "Where's My Refund?" Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount in the three fields. Click the button to check your status.

The tool will display one of four messages. "Return Received" means the IRS has your return and is processing it — this is the first status you will see. "Approved" means the IRS has finished reviewing your return and your refund has been authorized. "Sent" means your refund has left the IRS and is on its way to you. "Still Processing" means your return is taking longer than usual and needs additional review.

When your refund has been approved or sent, the tool will show you the exact date you will receive your money. If you chose direct deposit (the fastest method), the date shown is when the money will land in your bank account. If you chose a check by mail, the date shown is when the IRS will mail it — add 7 to 10 business days for delivery.

When you can start checking and how often to look

The timing depends on how you filed. If you e-filed your return, you can begin checking the tool within 24 hours of filing. If you mailed a paper return, wait until the IRS has had time to receive and scan it — usually three to four weeks. Checking before your return has been received will show no results.

The tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern time. Checking multiple times in the same day will show the same status. There is no benefit to checking more than once per day, and doing so will not speed up your refund.

Most refunds are approved within 21 days of e-filing. If you filed on paper, allow up to 30 days. Once approved, direct deposit refunds usually arrive within one to two business days. Checks take 7 to 10 business days after the IRS mails them.

What to do if the tool says "still processing"

If your return shows "Still Processing" after 21 days (for e-filed returns) or 30 days (for paper returns), the IRS is reviewing your return more carefully. This does not mean something is wrong — it means the IRS needs to verify information on your return, check for errors, or review a claim you made (such as a large child tax credit or earned income tax credit).

Do not file another return or contact the IRS yet. Continue checking the tool every few days. Most returns that need additional review are approved within 30 to 60 days total. The tool will update you as soon as a decision is made.

If your return still shows "Still Processing" after 60 days, or if the tool stops showing any status at all, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is still being reviewed or whether there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Why the tool might not find your return

The most common reason the tool shows no results is that you entered one of the three pieces of information incorrectly. Double-check your Social Security number (including leading zeros if any), your exact filing status, and your refund amount to the dollar. Even a small error will prevent the tool from finding your return.

If all three pieces of information are correct and the tool still shows no results, your return may not have been received yet. If you e-filed, wait 24 hours. If you mailed a paper return, wait three to four weeks. The IRS must receive and scan your return before it appears in the tool.

If you filed a joint return and the tool is not working, try entering the secondary taxpayer's Social Security number instead of the primary taxpayer's. Some returns are indexed under the second spouse's number in the IRS system, particularly if that spouse had a prior-year balance due or other tax history.

Direct deposit versus check by mail — what the tool tells you

The tool does not distinguish between direct deposit and check delivery in its status messages. However, the arrival date it shows is different depending on which method you chose when you filed. If you chose direct deposit, the date is when the money will appear in your bank account — usually one to two business days after the IRS approves your refund. If you chose a check, the date is when the IRS will mail it, and you should add 7 to 10 business days for postal delivery.

If you are unsure which method you chose, look at your copy of the return you filed. Line 33c on Form 1040 shows whether you chose direct deposit or a check. If you filed electronically, your e-file confirmation email will also state which method you selected.

Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than a check. If you chose a check and want to change to direct deposit for future refunds, you can do so when you file next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my refund status on my phone?

Yes. The "Where's My Refund?" tool works on any device with a web browser — phone, tablet, or computer. Go to irs.gov/refunds and enter your information the same way you would on a desktop. The tool is mobile-friendly and does not require an app.

What if I filed jointly and my spouse wants to check the status?

The tool requires the primary taxpayer's Social Security number (the one listed first on the return). Your spouse can use that same number to check the status. Both of you will see the same information because it is one joint return.

Can I check the status of a return I filed in a previous year?

Yes. The tool works for current-year returns and prior-year returns. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from the year you want to check. The tool will show the status of that return if it is still in the IRS system.

What if the tool says my refund was sent but I have not received it?

If the tool shows "Sent" and you chose direct deposit, check your bank account — the money may have arrived but not yet posted to your balance. If you chose a check, allow 7 to 10 business days from the date shown in the tool. If more than 10 business days have passed since the mailing date and you have not received a check, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it as missing.

Do I need to create an IRS account to use the "Where's My Refund?" tool?

No. The tool is free and does not require a login, account, or password. You enter your information once and get your status immediately. You do not need to create an IRS account unless you want to use other IRS services like viewing your tax transcript or setting up a payment plan.